William Edward Harrison

William “Bill” Edward Harrison, a proud Hemet, California resident, shuffleboard champ, avid coin collector, and unabashed fan of socks with sandals, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at the age of 81.

Raised on Grand Island in the roaring waters of Niagara Falls, New York, Bill was the beloved son of John and Catherine Harrison. He graduated with a BA in Finance from the University of Cincinnati and went on to serve his country with honor as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era from 1967 to 1969 - proving that not only could he balance a ledger, but also defend a nation.

After his military service, Bill worked as an accountant - which is basically a superhero if spreadsheets were villains. But don’t let the numbers fool you, he was more than just calculators and coffee. He owned a local country western bar in Moreno Valley called the Brass Rail and in his later years, Bill was a fierce competitor on the shuffleboard court, he earned a reputation as a co-captain who could deliver a devastating wrist flick and a well-timed pun. He also had a lifelong love affair with coin collecting - His collection was the kind that made you rethink that jar of spare change in your kitchen.

He is survived by his two children, Jeff Harrison and Jenn Harrison, who inherited his sense of humor and at least one of his shuffleboard cues, and his grandchildren - Jessyca, Ashley, and Ryan. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara Ressman, his brother John "Jack" Harrison and long time partner Linda Welshimer.

To honor Bill, we invite you to play a game of shuffleboard, admire a shiny coin, or simply enjoy a well framed pun in his memory. We like to think that wherever he is now, there's a shuffleboard court, a coin shop, and maybe a few surprised angels wondering how he got that Liberty Silver dollar past the Pearly Gates.

A Graveside Service for family and close friends will be held on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 10am located at: Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518

The Celebration of Life will be afterwards on Tuesday May 13th, 2025 from 12pm - 3pm located at: Colonial Country Club Ballroom. 601 N Kirby St, Hemet, CA 92545